OttawaBabel is a group for people in the Ottawa area who have an interest in practicing/learning foreign languages and also willing to help others with their language goals. We aim to provide a fun and relaxed atmosphere in an environment where speakers of many different languages come together to practice speaking a different language in a real-world context and make new friends with people from all over the world!

Our gatherings usually take place in a bar or coffeeshops and we mix and mingle together. Our goal is to have a night-out with an international crowd. This is a group for people who love languages and different cultures.

Guidelines/Code of Conduct/Membership - please read!

Your Profile – This is what tells both the organizers and other members who you are:

•Use your real first name, and at least the first letter of your last name. If your name is originally in a non-latin alphabet / characters please write it in an anglicized form to make it easier for other members to read

• **Post a selfie or similar picture which clearly indicates your face so we can recognize you when you come to meetings** A recognizable photo of yourself is obligatory. Profiles without a photo will be removed from the group

• Fill in the profile fields and ensure you answer all the questions.

• You must be resident in the Ottawa area to join the group.

• $7 annual contribution (approx the cost of one drink). During the past year we organized over 100 meetings as well as picnics, hikes and karaoke nights. We think that's pretty good value for money. Payment may be made by credit card on receipt of invoice or in person by cash or credit card.

• Please do not apply if you don't intend to attend our meetings (they are a lot of fun!). This is an active group for people to participate, contribute, share and learn about language and culture. In our experience people who belong to 20 or more other meetup groups usually never participate at any of our meetings and thus are a low priority for membership. Our group is capped at 1,000 members.

• Attendance of at least one meeting once a year

HOW IT WORKS

OttawaBabel is an active group where members participate, learn and help others. The idea of the group is that you give help to the group (helping those who are learning your native language) and you get help from the group (you are helped by others who speak the language you want to practice). This way everyone benefits! When you arrive, just introduce yourself to Giorgio or Mike and they will introduce you to others who speak the language you want to practice to get you started.

We get started every Wednesday around 7pm and the group is usually there until about 10pm. Please RSVP for each meeting you wish to attend. The full calendar is on the website for members. We also meet at weekends in a coffeeshop.

How to Babel:

1. RSVP for each meeting! If you have a smartphone please look for the app (android/apple) and download. It makes it easy to see what upcoming meetings there are as well as RSVP. We do ask that members RSVP for each meeting they plan on going to as a mark of courtesy to other members and our hosting venues.

2. Be open-minded and respectfulWe are a very diverse group. You'll meet people from all over the world and all cultures. Enjoy the chance to have the international experience in Ottawa! When you register please list at least your first name since we all want to be on friendly terms.

3. Purchase a drink or snack. Tip your bartender! Please purchase a drink or some food since this is how our host locations can allow us to have meetings at no additional cost. Although it's common not to tip in many cultures, it is very much a part of Canadian culture, so remember to leave a tip for your bartender, even if you buy a drink directly from the bar.

4. Ask the organizers! If you have any questions, concerns, problems or ideas, please talk to Giorgio or Mike about it

Remember, this group is a hobby for us; we run it just for fun, we love it and we hope you will love it too!